You shall cross the barren desert,
but you shall not die of thirst.
You shall wander far in safety
though you do not know the way.
You shall speak your words in foreign lands
and all will understand.
You shall see the face of God and live.
Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
If you pass through raging waters in the sea,
you shall not drown.
If you walk amid the burning flames,
you shall not be harmed.
If you stand before the pow'r of hell
and death is at your side,
know that I am with you through it all.
Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
Blessed are your poor,
for the kingdom shall be theirs.
Blest are you that weep and mourn,
for one day you shall laugh.
And if wicked tongues insult and hate you
all because of me,
blessed, blessed are you!
Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
The Story Behind Be Not Afraid
"Be Not Afraid" was written in 1975 by Robert J. Dufford, born in 1943, a Jesuit priest, a St. Louis Jesuit musical group, and a composer of Catholic liturgical music.
The lyrics for this hymn are directly inspired by the Bible, specifically Isaiah 43:2-3 and Luke 6:20.
Isaiah 43:2-3 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead."
Luke 6:20 - "And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."
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